Below are the Instructions on How to Measure, to determine whether to shorten an implement driveline when installing the PTO Link® Quick Connect System. (See below for options, exceptions & video timecode)

Many of our PTO Link® customers do NOT need to shorten their driveline to accommodate the 4.5 to 5 inches added by PTO Link®. However, everyone should verify whether this is necessary by first evaluating and comparing the following measurements (a) and (b):

(a) Before installing PTO Link® and when the implement is fully connected to your tractor AND is sitting on level ground, measure the maximum distance the implement driveline slides in during a hydraulic lift* and after it has been lowered back to the ground, then ADD 1 inch to that measurement;

(b) Install each PTO Link® coupler to the tractor and implement, but do NOT connect the couplers. Then measure the distance between the two installed PTO Link® couplers (make sure they are facing square to each other and at the same height) when the driveline is fully collapsed (bottomed out toward the gearbox).

(b – 2nd option) If you don’t have the PTO Link® couplers yet, you can estimate (measurement-b) by simulating the length added by the PTO Link®, by measuring the distance between the tip of the tractor PTO male spline and the tip of the Implement female receiver (make sure they are facing square to each other and at the same height) when the driveline is fully collapsed (bottomed out), then SUBTRACT 3 inches. [This will be your estimated (b) measurement, if the PTO Link® was installed]. Note: this measurement is for estimation purposes only. The most accurate measurement (when determining whether to cut the driveline) is best measured once the PTO Link® is fully installed.

Take the above measurements and compare the following:

1. If (a) is less than or equal to (b), then no adjustment is necessary.
2. If (a) is greater than (b), then the difference [(a) minus (b)] is the recommended amount to shorten the driveline.

OPTIONS: Of course, a helpful alternative to shorten the driveline is to install a quick-hitch system to your 3 point hitch (e.g., Pat’s Easy Change, iMatch, etc.) which lengthens the distance between your tractor and implement and tends to offset most** of the PTO driveline length added by PTO Link®.

*EXCEPTIONS: With some smaller tractors (when using a tiller) the driveline will actually collapse further when being lowered ‘into the ground’ (from ground level). Therefore, pay special attention to how your driveline slides during use to avoid incorrect measuring when confirming if driveline slide is adequate. NOTE: For tractor Post Hole Diggers / Auger implements, see (F.A.Q. #6) for special instructions.